Covenantalism Under the Microscope - Part 1

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0c900640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Grace Bible Fellowship</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Grace Bible Fellowship"><B>home</B></A><B><IMG SRC="0e7523c0.png" border=0 width="82" height="60" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> back to<B>  </B><A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covenantalism Under the Microscope"><B>Covenantalism Under the Microscope</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c8ffcccc00.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Covenantalism Under the Microscope - Part 1</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covenantalism under the Microscope Part">Covenantalism under the Microscope - Part 2</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covenantalism under the Microscope Part">Covenantalism under the Microscope - Part 3</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covenantalism Under the Microscope Part">Covenantalism Under the Microscope - Part 4 </A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Covenantalism Under the Microscope - Part 1</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Abrahamic Covenant</B></div> <bR> <div> Abstract: Covenantalism is a prominent theological system that is founded on a false theological presupposition. As is usual of false systems, covenantalism manufactures a “universal principle” based on a limited consideration of only a portion of Scripture, and then interprets Scripture in light of that principle – often ignoring vast portions of Scripture that expose their error. In some regards, this tendency is akin to the way Arminians defend their false view of salvation and import their false presupposition of free will into key texts. Major features of covenantalism are falsely deduced from an assumed hypothesis of the universality of rituals as “signs and seals.” Oddly, the evolution of such signs and seals actually shows more affinity to some brands of dispensationalism, i.e. as an evolving system of varying temporary signs and seals that give way in time to newer signs and seals of (hypothetical) “salvation” for the partakers thereof. One particular aspect of this is how the literal Israel is really not elect but a reprobate that metamorphoses into the Body of Christ, and then Scriptures pertaining to Israel are distorted to apply to the Body (“spiritual” Israel). This is a feature not unlike Scoffield dispensationalism’s “period of testing/failure” or the Arminian Plan-A, Plan-B approach to prophecy, or even worse that the meaning of Scripture has changed over time.</div> <bR> <div> In this study we will examine the Abrahamic covenant. Particularly, we will see that key aspects of the Abrahamic covenant are distorted or ignored to support the covenantalist system. Key in this matter is the issue of Abraham’s hope. Are the elect “monolithic”? Is there just one homogeneous “people of God” who will reside in heaven forever? Or does the Abrahamic covenant establish the land of Canaan as the eternal abode of the saved circumcision? In other studies, the role of circumcision within the Abrahamic covenant will be examined, and we will see that its role is not what the covenantalists claim.</div> <bR> <div> Proof texts using the Abrahamic covenant show that the covenantalists fail even within their own system by not grasping the meaning of the Abrahamic covenant. They then misappropriate wholesale texts of Paul to bolster their false Body-dividing system. It is in this framework that they construct their erroneous interpretation of baptism as a “sign and seal” that replaces circumcision, and that is then extended to children based on a presumed analogy with circumcision.</div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> I.         Key Points.</div> <div> A.        WCF on the eternal state</div> <div> B.        The Establishment of the Abrahamic Covenant</div> <div> C.        The Promises to Abraham</div> <div> D.        The Circumcision Hope is on the Earth</div> <div> E.        The Circumcision Hope is the proof of the resurrection</div> <bR> <div> II.    WCF on the eternal state</div> <div> A.  WCF Chapter 32, Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead: Section 1.The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption: (Gen. 3:19, Acts 13:36) but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them: (Luke 23:43, Eccl. 12:7) the souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God, in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies. (Heb. 12:23, 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8, Phil. 1:23, Acts 3:21, Eph. 4:10) ...</div> <bR> <div> B.  In case there is any doubt, the Larger Catechism (written conjointly with the WCF as teaching manual for the WCF) provides the Presbyterian authoritative interpretation as follows.</div> <bR> <div>       Larger Catechism, Question 90: What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment? Answer: At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds, (1 Thess. 4:17) shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted, (Matt. 25:33, Matt. 10:32) shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men, (1 Cor. 6:2–3) and shall be received into heaven, (Matt. 25:34,46) where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery; (Eph. 5:27, Rev. 14:13) filled with inconceivable joys, (Ps. 16:11) made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels, (Heb. 12:22–23) but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity. (1 John 3:2, 1 Cor. 13:12, 1 Thess. 4:17–18) And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment.</div> <bR> <div> C.  Comments</div> <div> 1.   Note: for a Presbyterian the redeemed are monolithic. All of the saved reside in the same place, eternally in heaven. Of course this is a widespread “traditional” view. As we will see this traditional view is not in Scripture.</div> <div> 2.   Note there is just a single day of “judgment” for all of mankind. There is just one resurrection of all mankind (the “general resurrection”).</div> <div> 3.   We may want to ask the covenantalist if God created the earth to be ultimately destroyed forever? The answer is of course, no! The earth will be restored and inhabited forever. Many verses. See other outlines. Some below. How the covenantalists deal with these verses shows that the covenantalist hermeneutic and “apologetic” is really identical to the apologetics of all other false religions. We will see that the covenantalist deals with texts in much the same way the Muslims defend the Koran. More below.</div> <bR> <div> D.  Comments on “proof” texts quoted above.</div> <div> 1.   One can immediately note the amalgamation of Paul’s epistles with the Kingdom/circumcision scriptures.</div> <div> 2.   Note they think the “judging” in 1 Cor. 6:2-3, is a condemnation judgement! The context of 1 Cor. 6 is ruling as in administration. See our exegesis of 1 Cor. 6. We will rule the angels not condemn them! This is our position as members of the One Body. We have one Spirit, one Lord, one God, who administers us – not the many angels (spirits, lords, gods).</div> <div> 3.   Matt. 25:34,46. This is the Great White Throne judgement.</div> <div> a.   Context says nothing about heaven!</div> <div> b.   Context also contrasts three groups. Sheep and the goats, who are Gentiles! And the brethren who are the saved Jews! If there is any doubt that Christ upheld the Abrahamic covenant and the distinction of Jews and Gentiles, we remind them of the following verses:</div> <div> (1) Rom. 15:8: Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:</div> <div> (a)       Note Christ confirmed the promises, (note the plural)</div> <div> (b)       And they are the ones made to the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses... More below.</div> <div> (2) The Canaanite woman, Matt. 15:22-28. Christ deals with the Canaanite woman on the basis of the Abrahamic covenant and the distinction of Gentiles and the circumcision (the “twain”).</div> <bR> <div> c.   Heb. 12:22-23. The text doesn’t say the hope is in heaven! It says the audience of Hebrews will be in mount Zion, and the heavenly Jerusalem. Where is the heavenly Jerusalem? It will be on the earth!. Rev. 21:1-10. Note also, Rev. 21:24 maintains the distinction of Gentiles in relation to Israel as the ruling nation, all in accord with the distinction made in the Abrahamic covenant.</div> <bR> <div> III.   Establishment of the Abrahamic Covenant</div> <div> A.  Verses: Gen. 12:1-3, 6-7; 13:14-17;15:1-21;17:1-14;22:15-18.</div> <div> B.  Summary of the promises. Recall Rom. 15:8.</div> <div> 1.   Abraham’s name shall be great. No controversy here.</div> <div> 2.   That a great nation should come from him.</div> <div> 3.   He should be a blessing so great that in him all of the nations of the earth should be blessed.</div> <div> 4.   To Abraham personally (“to thee”) and to his seed should be given the land of Palestine forever to inherit (“an everlasting possession).</div> <div> 5.   The multitude of his seed should be as the dust of the earth.</div> <div> 6.   That whosoever blessed him should be blessed and whosoever cursed him should be cursed.</div> <div> 7.   He would be the Father of many nations.</div> <div> 8.   Kings should proceed from him.</div> <div> 9.   The covenant shall be an<B> everlasting</B> covenant. (Comment: thus the covenant is only in abeyance during the dispensation of the mystery, it must be reestablished in the future for it to be everlasting. And this reestablishment entails the renewed distinction of the “twain” – this is not the Body of Christ which is one Body.)</div> <div> 10.The Lord will be a God to him and to his seed.</div> <div> 11. His seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.</div> <bR> <div> C.  <U>Gen. 12:1-3</U>. Abraham is called. A dispensational change is being instituted. The distinction between the Jews and Gentiles is being established. First Abram (Abraham) is called, then God establishes his covenant with him in Gen. 17. There is the transitional period from the old dispensation (only Gentiles) to the new (circumcision/uncircumcision). This is the same as the period from Acts 9 to 28.</div> <bR> <div> D.  Gen. 13:14-17. A key passage, we comment in detail.</div> <div> 1.   Verse 14: And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.</div> <div> a.   Clearly Abraham is on the earth, at a geographical location. His eyes are functioning and the Lord tells him specifically to look north, south, east and west.</div> <div> b.   Abraham isn’t looking at heaven. If Abraham doesn’t get this land personally then God is a deceiver.</div> <bR> <div> 2.   Verse 15: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.</div> <div> a.   Note the promise is to Abraham personally (“to thee”).</div> <div> b.   Note it is eternal.</div> <bR> <div> 3.   Verse 17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.</div> <div> a.   Again, Abraham is walking on land with soil under his feet. This is not heaven.</div> <div> b.   The personal nature of the inheritance is again stated (“I will give it to thee.” What is the antecedent of “it” we beg to know!)</div> <bR> <div> E.        Summary. It should be conclusive that Abraham will reside eternally on earth.</div> <bR> <div> IV.  The reiteration of the promises of the covenant to the Fathers.</div> <div> A.  To Isaac: Gen. 26:1-6.</div> <div> B.  To Jacob: Gen. 28:10-14.</div> <div> C.  Moses: Exo. 6:1-8, 32:13.</div> <div> D.  Note that these are also personal. (”to thee” and “to them”).</div> <div> E.  Keep in mind Rom. 15:8.</div> <div> F.   Another key point occurs above. Note the wording in Exo. 6:4. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob never possessed the land! They were strangers and sojourners. Compare Hebrews 11:13-16. They died and were buried and the promise not realized. Yet it was promised to them! And God is faithful. What is the conclusion? They must be resurrected to receive the promise!</div> <bR> <div> V.   Review: The Lord during his earthly ministry maintained the Abrahamic covenant and taught the eternal earthly hope</div> <bR> <div> A.  Rom. 15:8. Christ was a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God to confirm the promises made unto the Fathers.</div> <div> B.  Matt 5:5; Psalm 37:9, 11, 18, 22, 28, 29: The inheritance is the earth and it is eternal.</div> <div> C.  Canaanite woman: Matt. 15:28</div> <bR> <div> VI. The Eternal earthly hope of Israel was the proof of the resurrection.</div> <div>   </div> <div> A.  Matt. 22:23-34.</div> <div> B.  Points: Christ is not arguing about the intermediate state, he is arguing for the resurrection.</div> <div> C.  For the proof of the resurrection, he merely mentions the three Patriarchs to whom God explicitly and personally declared the covenant promises.</div> <div> D.  The promises are the foundation of God’s memorial name, see Exo. 3:15.</div> <div> 1.   God’s name forever(”unto all generations”) is “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”</div> <div> 2.   This name is the memorial. It is the memorial of the faithfulness of God to fulfill the promises, and to fulfill it he will raise them from the dead.</div> <bR> <div> E.  The mention of the memorial name “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” was sufficient to summarize the personal nature of the promises and underscored the fact that they would receive them since God is faithful. Thus, Christ’s conclusion: God would resurrect them. “He is the God of the living not the dead” (Q.E.D).</div> <bR> <div> F.   The Sadducees were silenced (v. 34). They decided not to explore the details of the Lord’s proof.</div> <bR> <div> VII. The WCF tradition is at odds with the Word of God. How do they respond?</div> <div>           </div> <div> A.  <I>Attempt 1</I>:  “Yes, there was a promise of the land but God had something better in mind.” Answer.</div> <div> 1.   This evasion does not address the texts given above. It makes God a deceiver. It renders false all of the evidence of Abraham’s senses, and the meaning of the words spoken by God to him personally. This evasion really means that whatever God says is subject to inherent ambiguity or outright revision and God’s words are not sure. Further, since what God said will not correspond to reality, it means God uttered a falsehood. This should give them pause. It is the same as Satan’s questioning of what God said in Genesis 3:1!</div> <div> 2.   It ignores and is refuted by the texts of Rom. 11:29; 15:8.</div> <bR> <div> B.  <I>Attempt 2: </I> "The promise is conditional."  Answer: No it is not, it was given as a promise to Abraham personally. If one wants to say there was a condition for Abram to move to Canaan, then we note that Abraham did, in fact, move. Thus the condition was satisfied. Conclusion: Abraham will be personally on the earth forever.</div> <bR> <div> VIII.Conclusion</div> <div>           </div> <div> A.  The WCF statement of a general resurrection and a hope in heaven for all the elect is false.</div> <div> B.  Scripture teaches that the elect (circumcised and uncircumcised) encompassed in the Abrahamic covenant will inherit the earth forever.</div> <div> C.  The WCF doctrine is the same as hermeneutical suicide. Their attempts to skirt the meaning of the text to defend their confession make the WCF superior to the Scriptures. With this method all religions are “true.” Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons -- all defend their traditions by the exact same “heremeneutical” gymnastics, either changing the meanings of words to meaninglessness or ignoring passages.</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>